as in scams
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
the explanation was so plausible that I never suspected it was all a con to make off with my car
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in studies
to commit to memory
usually candidates con their entire campaign speech, right down to the jokes they supposedly ad-lib
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reviews
to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition)
seemed to be conning his face for any sign of uncertainty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in hustles
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
a fly-by-night operator who had conned hundreds of would-be homeowners out of their hard-earned money
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in tricks
to cause to believe what is untrue
tried to con me into thinking that he had actually won the lottery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cons
John Wilkerson, STAT, 20 Jan. 2026
What are the pros and cons of each vehicle and what would be your preference?
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2026
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each type and how to pick the right type of tree for your space.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2026
What are the pros and cons of living in an apartment the size of three parking spaces?
—Kathleen Hill, The Providence Journal, 17 Jan. 2026
But the cons of a rental are even more significant this year.
—Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026
Villa’s decision-makers were not wholly sure in sanctioning Malen’s departure and had been weighing up the pros and cons earlier in the week.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
What are the pros and cons of a rate cap?
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 14 Jan. 2026
If only one of these two are invited, then please state the pros and cons for each.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
Read more about the pros and cons of multi-year grants.
—John Wilkerson, STAT, 20 Jan. 2026
What are the pros and cons of each vehicle and what would be your preference?
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2026
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each type and how to pick the right type of tree for your space.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2026
What are the pros and cons of living in an apartment the size of three parking spaces?
—Kathleen Hill, The Providence Journal, 17 Jan. 2026
But the cons of a rental are even more significant this year.
—Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026
Villa’s decision-makers were not wholly sure in sanctioning Malen’s departure and had been weighing up the pros and cons earlier in the week.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
What are the pros and cons of a rate cap?
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 14 Jan. 2026
If only one of these two are invited, then please state the pros and cons for each.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cons. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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